Language and communication skills are essential for all our pupils and we recognise that the skills developed in English promote learning across the curriculum. We want our pupils to be able to express themselves creatively and imaginatively, and to communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally with others in a range of social situations. We teach pupils the skills they need to communicate in ways relevant to their individual needs, through their most preferred method of communication, developing their skills in speaking and listening, reading and writing. They have English lessons following the National Curriculum or follow cross-curricular themes which have been developed to meet the individual learning styles of pupils with more complex learning difficulties. Phonics and Colourful Semantics forms an important part of the English curriculum.

Intent

At Rosehill we believe that all pupils deserve an education of the highest standard and every pupil is entitled to a broad, balanced and enriched curriculum through which their reading and writing skills will be developed; an education that is mindful of the individuality of each pupil’s learning style and recognises the need for a holistic and personalised teaching approach, supported by a range of engaging multi-sensory activities.

English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society and reading and writing are fundamental to learning in all curriculum subjects. All the skills of language are essential to participating as fully as possible as a member of society. A high-quality education in English will allow pupils to acquire core skills essential to enhance their lives; it will enable learners to communicate their ideas and emotions to others and to understand other people’s communication and views. Through reading in particular, pupils have an opportunity to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Reading enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build

on what they already know.

Implementation:

Our English curriculum has been adapted to suit the needs of the learners, so that skills are developed in a way that is meaningful and relevant to each individual pupil at different stages in their school career. While some children with autism read phonetically, many are natural sight-readers, therefore both approaches are used in teaching reading and writing.  We support children in developing their self-esteem and “I can” mind-set by helping them to succeed in reading and writing activities tailored to their interests and levels.

English at Rosehill encompasses all aspects of communication. It promotes learning across all areas of the curriculum and underpins pupils’ achievements and participation through developing vocabulary, reading and writing skills, understanding grammar and as a result forming a sound base for lifelong learning.

Reading and writing are fundamental life skills, enabling access to lifelong learning, promoting independence, and providing a source of enjoyment and self-expression.

• Developing the ability to understand and respond to the people and the environment around them
• Developing their own preferred means of communication – verbal, written, symbols, objects, pictures, signs
• Interacting and communicating effectively with others in a range of situations
• Obtaining and using information about the world around them
• Developing creativity
• Making choices, asking question and being actively involved in decision making
• Enriching and broadening their experience of the world
• Developing lifelong enjoyment of a range of literature.

For further information about our English Curriculum please contact:

Tamara Riddell: t.riddell@rosehill.nottingham.sch.uk